Ramadan: fasting has a purpose

It is gratifying to see there is increasing awareness than ever before, in the media and among non-Muslim communities, about Ramadan in particular and Islam in general.  Fortunately, negative debates sometimes attract positive results, by encouraging some people to do more research in order to understand the issues at hand.

I have been looking at some of this year’s media introduction to Ramadan and what it has meant in practical terms. The general outline of what we might hear, or read, are that Muslims don’t eat, don’t drink and do not engage in sexual activities during a set time from dawn to sunset. This description falls very short of explaining the true purpose of fasting or the expected outcomes from this spiritual season. Most importantly, the question arises: where does the spirituality lay in abstaining from food and drink or from sexual engagement and is that all that Ramadan is about?

Lack of spiritual commitment might be present in some Muslims and we see it all too often among some of those who observe the fast. What, therefore, is Ramadan and what is its true place and purpose in Islamic theology? Why is it being seen in purely physical terms? Why has Lord of the worlds commanded all previous generations of humanity to observe the fast as a religious duty and directed the ummah of the last Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, to continue to observe this obligation?

Fasting is a means towards great achievement and should never be regarded as shallow of purpose. Allah does not create a ritual with no benefit for the people. Its correct observance becomes an act of worship to Allah, following His teachings and guidance, and carries benefits within it for those who fully observe this obligation.

Ramadan is the fifth pillar of Islam. This means that it serves the overall structure of Allah’s deen (religion) and fulfils its purpose.

The initial and very essential purpose of fasting that the Quran mentions in the context of prescribing it upon people is ‘Taqwa’. (Please refer to my earlier blog on this topic). It says in the Quran in Surah 2 and verse 183: ‘Believers! Fasting is enjoined upon you as it was enjoined upon those before you, that you become God-fearing’.

God-fearing is translated here from the word ‘taqwa’. Here are some other meanings for taqwa: Awe of God, piety, righteousness, self-restraint, consciousness of God and so on.

Taqwa is the primary purpose to be achieved from the exercise of fasting in this blessed month or from voluntary fasting at other times of the year.

Taqwa can be expressed through the seeking of goodness and acts of goodness, while seeking the pleasure of Allah from these acts. Taqwa can also be expressed through avoidance of evil, misdeeds and foul acts, while seeking out the pleasure of Allah.

The month of Ramadan itself has its own importance. By fasting in this month we offer our gratitude to Allah for one of the greatest spiritual events that has taken place in Islam and for the benefits it has bestowed on mankind: the revelation of the Quran, the Book of Allah. It is a time for reflection and drawing our attention to Allah’s guidance and commands and through fasting we humble ourselves to our Creator. Let us read together this beautiful Quranic verse:

‘During the month of Ramadan, the Qur`an was sent down as guidance to the people, with clear signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong). So those of you who live to see that month should fast it. And whoever is sick or on a journey should fast the same number of other days instead. Allah wants ease and not hardship for you, so that you may complete the number of days required, magnify Allah for what He has guided you to, and give thanks to Him’. S2 V185

It is indeed a time for deep reflection on the purpose of this revelation and whether we are living our lives according to it or not? In its way, the fast provides a pause and a break to the routines of life, helps us to see more clearly the highs and lows we have experienced and to measure our strengths and weaknesses.  But, do we really do this when we are in Ramadan? Are we able to form a collective mindset and real sense of responsibility? Do we achieve its purposes? These are questions we should consider. 

To emphasise the need for change in the month, the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, says: ‘Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his giving up of his food and drink’. Narrated by Bukhari

Another hadith presents the same theme, saying: ‘Many of those who fast their share is only hunger and thirst. And many of those who spend their night in prayers their share from it is only wakefulness’. Narrated by Ahmad and al-Haakim

Further, another hadith of the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, says: ‘Fasting is a shield. When it is a fasting day for someone, let him not engage in obscene talk and rowdy actions. If he was to be sworn at or fought with, let him say: I am a person fasting, I am a person fasting….’

The whole month of fasting, Ramadan, is seemingly designed as a period of training for the Ummah and is a time when they ought to reflect upon their state of being and plan corrective measures for their future. Alhamdulillah a greater awareness about the purpose of fasting will become apparent to Muslims and non-Muslims, alike. We hope this new awareness will help rebuild the fabric of all Muslims’ spiritual and social lives, restore a collective state of being and prove a literally life changing experience for everyone.